Toteable Treadstep

ABSTRACT

The Toteable Treadstep is a duel purpose exercising device designed for portability and convenience of exercising anytime and, virtual anywhere. Made of wood and pvc pipe rollers the weight is only 16-18 lbs. making it, “Toteable”, it is a manual treadmill with a stair step conversion, “Treadstep” encompasses the “basic unit”. It is not one of those belt driven mechanical treadmill monsters. The user regulates the speed of their walking momentum with a step &amp; drag motion to achieve the desired results. 2 wood handles secured in specifically designed slots on each side pivot back and forth for a normal walking arm swing with the bottom of each handle doubling as a support post for a handrail placed parallel to step deck offering the exercising enthusiast added security. “Riser blocks” raise the entire unit up for a higher knee lift when utilizing the stair step function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Not applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not applicable”

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

“Not applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Patent Classification: 910, portable exercising device with carrying handle, or case. (transportable exercise apparatus having either manually graspable toting means) 482/54—Treadmill for foot travel: This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein the muscle conditioning or developing apparatus is a movable surface, e.g., a roller, endless belt, etc., upon which the user may walk or run while remaining in essentially the same location relative to a fixed supporting surface,

Toteable Treadstep is a 2 in 1 exercising device designed to be portable, “toteable”

1) manual treadmill exercising device that allows the user the advantage of exercising virtually anywhere at anytime for weight loss and building leg muscles

482/52—Stair climbing: This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to conditioning or developing a muscle employed as the user ascends or descends a set of steps or operates apparatus which imitates ascending or descending a set of steps.

2) easily converts from a treadmill to stair step device promoting a heart healthy cardio-vascular work out benefitting both the heart and lungs.

“Not applicable”

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A duel purpose manual exercising device designed specifically to be toteable, or portable for the convenience of exercising anytime and, virtually anywhere. A light weight wood product utilizing plurality pvc pipe rollers for a step & drag treadmill application for an exhilarating work out with the user regulating the speed of their walking momentum completely for their individual desired results. The 2 in 1 device; “treadstep” treadmill/step deck design transforms easily to a stair step exercising device when a plywood deck is placed over the plurality pipe rollers. 2 handles are provided for normal walking arm swing pivoting back and forth secured in specifically designed slots on each side with the bottom of each handle serving as a support post for a handrail placed parallel to step deck and/or treadmill. Riser blocks with 2″ protruding dowels are secured into specifically designs riser plates to raise entire unit 2″ for a more invigorating stair step work out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

I have worked and am studied as an architect with the drawings provided reflecting that background. I spent several months prior to knowledge of USPTO guidelines working on these drawings and would appreciate the USPTO accepting them as they are.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The “Toteable Treadstep” is an amazingly simple invention that is an effective manual treadmill/stair step device that offers the normal benefits of weight loss and heart healthy aerobics made of all wood and pvc pipe weighing only 16 to 18 lbs making it easily carried, toted; whether, by the end handle bar or in a tote bag. The “Toteable Treadstep”, convenience and selling factor are its capability of travel; office, road or simply bedroom to living room. It also has the added benefit of fitting in to small spaces: hotel rooms. Apartments, duplexes, offices, RV's etc . . .

The toteable treadstep is lightweight for portability made of; 2 choice pine wood struts, 2-1″×3″×36″ (3″ actual measurement 2½″) boards glued and screwed together for structural integrity with each inner board of each strut having 26 pre-drilled holes to receive 26¾″ dowels that connect one strut to the other. Before joining the 2-1″×3″×36″ boards for strut, drill 26 holes; 1″ to center from top of 1″×3″×36″ inner strut board with first hole from left to right 2 3/8″ on center from end with each of the 26 holes thereafter 1¼″ on center. Because of hole placement, there is a left and right side as well as a top and bottom side to assembled strut. Once holes are drilled and struts are marked as to L/R, T/B, glue the boards of each strut together with 1¼″ wood screw. Secure strut boards with 3 clamps until glue is dried. Once struts are drilled and glued careful to notate each left/right, top/bottom side, place one strut top side up with holes on inside, insert each of the 26, 16″ dowel pins securely into the pre-drilled holes of strut. To produce a treadmill device schedule 40 pvc pipe was cut to 7 1/16″ lengths with 2 pieces per dowel threaded on to each of the 26 dowels before the joining of the 2 parallel struts. Note: The ¾″ pvc pipe is listed as the same size as the dowel; however, the inner opening is greater than the ¾″ dowel allowing the pvc pipe to become a roller when threaded on to the dowel turning, rotating easily as the user walks or jogs with a step & drag motion to achieve a manual treadmill application. The ¾″ dowels are strategically spaced to be close enough to achieve the structural strength and integrity of a hardwood floor and spaced far enough to allow each section of pvc pipe to roll freely under foot. Align parallel, the other strut with top side up and holes facing to inside. (notating L/R, T/B) Align the 26 dowels to its corresponding pre-drilled hole for placement of the dowel pins with pvc pipe threaded on it. A spacer; 1×3 or 4 with a ¼″ trim board on top is placed underneath dowels to rest dowel with the pvc threaded on it. This will make the dowel and pvc the right height to be put in prospective holes on opposite strut. Using needle nose pliers to make sure the dowels are resting in their proposed hole and can be tapped up snuggly to the outer 1″×3″×36″ board of strut. The best way to accomplish the joining of the 2 struts is to place one of the struts outside board up next to a flat straight wall. Since I built this in a 30′ Motorhome, I used the front base of the couch. Inserting one side with dowels thread pvc pipe tapping all snuggly in place with the other strut parallel to it with needle nose pliers I aligned the dowels pushing and hammering each with a rubber mallet and utilizing a block of wood as a buffer the outside strut while holding the entire unit in place with my knees. Due to the alignment of the dowel holes, it is imperative to make sure strut sides are marked and placed accordingly for assembly. Once again, utilizing a rubber mallet and/or block of wood as buffer to tap, hammer the dowels up snug to outer 1×3×36 exterior board of strut. This is also where the flat straight wall is necessary. Very carefully turn unit on edge applying ones own body weight and with rubber mallet hammer the outer strut to secure each dowel is in place and securing it snuggly. Once the dowels and pvc pieces are in place, check diagonals to make sure unit is square. Turn unit over, or bottom side up, once again square the unit by checking diagonals to see if they are equal. Screw a 1″×3″×17 5/8″ carriage plate (1½″ #6 wood screw) on each end of the bottom side placing flush to edge to end of each strut. This will keep it square and also keep unit from separating. Utilizing on one end a 1″×2″×20 5/8″ handle bar which will have a 1½″ over hang on each end due to the slot designed for handles and a 17 5/8″on the other end, screw handle bar into each end perpendicular to struts to keep unit from separating and for easy toting or carrying and transporting. Sand the outer edges of handle bars for a comfortable smooth feel when picking it up and to prevent user from cuts or splinters.

The pvc pipe produces a rolling action when user takes a step dragging their foot back as they walk at their own pace. This is a step and drag motion that results in an easily utilized manual treadmill for a walking regiment of an exercising program.

The entire unit only weights 16 to 18 lbs at this time. This is the complete design of the “basic” unit which is a toteable treadmill in that it is easily picked up by the handle bars and transported anywhere. But I quickly saw that there were a lot more options available. With a piece of ½″ plywood the step deck was added giving it its name, “Toteable Treadstep”.

When I built the first “basic” unit I placed my hand on the kitchen counter of the motorhome in order to give myself some stability as I walked dragging my feet on the two independent rollers of pvc pipe. (In tweaking the basic unit, I changed from using one piece of pvc pipe to 2 pieces. Problem was, once one foot became even with the other foot, the rollers stopped rolling. So, I cut the pvc pipe into 2 equal pieces each 7 1/16″ long. Although the space from strut to strut is 14½″, there needs to be some clearance for the rollers to move independently.)

I then decided that it would be a good idea to add handles, for not only a normal arm swing movement but some added security as the user walked on the rollers. I have to admit that this really wasn't my own idea I had seen other mechanical treadmills utilizing handles for the arm swing; however, the design of the handles is my own idea. Made of a 7/8″ dowel pin, the total height of each of the handles is 42″ with the very top of each dowel sanded for a smooth and curved finish for hand comfort. On one end on the outside of each strut are 3-1″×2″×2½″ spacers, glued/screwed with 1¼″ wood screw for placement of handle and the later added handrail post. Placing 2 of these spacers on strut with a 2″ gap between them and the later or 3^(rd) spacer with a 7/8″ gap for post support of a handrail I also designed and later added. On the outside of the spacers I placed a 1″×3″×7⅜″ board secured with 2-2″ wood screws (best to drill pilot holes before any screw is placed) over each of the spacer blocks. I also put a 1″×2″×7⅜″ on bottom to enclose the handle & post slots. The space between strut and outside board is ¾″ due to thickness of the 1″×2″ spacer boards and provides a 2″ long slot for handle placement. Since the handle/post support is made from a ⅞″ dowel, the dowel is sanded 2½″ from one end to a tapered down dimension of ¾″ which is the width of the 1″×3″ strut for handle to be push down in to the center of opening allowing the handle to pivot back and forth as the user swings their arms in a normal walking motion. (I added the later 7/8″ hole for the handrail support post for user stability when utilizing the “step deck”.)

I then decided for a more cardio-vascular workout to add the second half of the name tread “step”, a step deck made of a ½×14½″×24″ (½″×16½″×24″ 1836 model) piece of plywood sanded on each edge of the 4 ends for a smooth touch. Plywood deck is placed on top of the pvc rollers approximately 6″ from each end of the basic unit centering from end to end. To keep the deck secure and from rolling on the pvc pipe, 2-90 degree ½×1½″ metal corner brackets are glued and screwed to the bottom of the plywood at an outer spacing of 22¼″ and placed 1 7/8″ from one outer edge of deck. This 1 7/8″ space allows handles to be held in place when in tote bag or toting when holding on long edge. The step deck is placed on top of the pvc pipe bottom side down with said brackets inserted between rollers to keep deck from rolling back & forth. On top of the struts 4 window clips are placed; 2 on each side no less than 18″ to no more than 22″ apart which turn 90 degrees to lock the step deck into place to keep deck from vibrating or slipping out of place while user is stepping up & down from floor to deck. A handrail was also designed for user safety placed parallel to step deck.

As I mentioned earlier in the description, I decided to add a handrail for more security and stability whether on treadmill or step deck utilizing the handles lower part as a support post. The total dowel length of each handle is 42″. Cut each dowel into 2 pieces; the bottom part 33½″ long which has a 2½″ space from bottom end of the 7/8″ dowel pin tapered down to ¾″ for placement into dowel holder space on each side of strut as described earlier, the remaining or upper joint is 8½″ with a ¾″ cpvc coupling joining the two pieces together for treadmill handle arm swing. Glue 8½″ straight cut edge of top section into cpvc coupling for added security of arm swing movement when on treadmill and for easy removal when bottom of handle is utilized as a handrail support post. Drill a small hole thru lower part of cpvc coupling and top end of 33½″ section for placement of a ¾″ set screw (#6) to go thru cpvc and into dowel adding more security and strength of the joining. This is done in order for bottom half of handles to quickly convert to support post for a convenient 24″ handrail. You will also use those ¾″ set screws from handle to secure handrail to handrail (handle bottom) support post.

Handrail is made with 1″×3″×24″ choice pine wood sanded along edges for removal of splinter dangers and for a smooth and comfortable grip. Glue and screw (1¼″ #6 wood screw) a 1″×2″×207/8″ choice pine support brace to the bottom side of 24″ top rail. Place support brace parallel to top rail 1½″ from each end and flush against one outer edge of top rail with 2-7/8″ drilled holes 5/8″ from each end for bottom support post of handle to slip up into. Add 2-1″×2″×6″ choice pine wood braces on each end with 7/8″ drilled holes 5/8″ from end of each 6″ brace making sure holes are in alignment with ones on support brace. Glue and screw (½″ #6 screw) 6″ braces flush to each end of 1″×2″×207/8″ support brace flush to outer edge of top rail. Drilled ¾″ #6 set screw hole on inside of 6″ brace in center of 7/8″ hole to secure handrail to handle support post. This allows user the option of a handles or handrail with both providing a safe, comfortable and stable security for all age exercising enthusiasts.

For an added benefit of the step deck and a varied workout height, I decided to raise the entire unit up by designing “Riser blocks”, 2 glued & screwed together 1″×2″×6″ choice pine boards, wood blocks with 2-7/8″″ dowel pins glued in place protruding out 2″ of block with 1¾″ on center from each end edge. To receive the protruding 2″ dowel pins, 6-1″×2″×6″ strut support braces with 2-7/8″ pre-drilled holes 1¾″ on center from end edge in each to receive the riser blocks protruding dowel pins are fastened with 1½″ wood screw to each end flush against carriage plate and centered to center of the bottom of the basic unit which is 36″ without the handle bar dimension. This allows the user the added advantage of a more invigorating cardio-vascular work out.

The attractive, convenience and selling factor of the “Toteable Treadstep” is its lightweight and portability. I have seen so many mechanical treadmills monsters, literally in design and cost that the “Toteable Treadstep” is a significant and desirable alternative. Both models (1636/1836) have been tested to 230 lbs.; Queen 1636, 14.5″ walk/deck width and the Executive 1836, 16.5″ walk/deck width. Both models are 36″ long (37½″ total with handle bar) with men 6′4″ having no problems walking a normal stride. 

1. The first part of the 2 in 1 exercising device, treadmill with stair step conversion is the treadmill. The toteable treadstep is designed to be portable, made of lightweight; choice pine wood, dowel pins and schedule 40 pvc pipe the basic unit weighs only 16 lbs. and 18 lbs. when all components are carried together in a tote bag. a. The Toteable Treadstep, basic unit is a lightweight; 1″×3″×36″ choice pine wood, ¾″ dowel and schedule 40 pvc exercising device that is portable due to the materials used to build the product and its very efficient design, 20 5/8″ W×37½′ L×3¼″ H dimensions. The basic unit weighs only 16 lbs., making it light enough to tote whether by the handle bar or in a tote bag allowing the user the convenience of exercise anytime and virtually anywhere. 18lbs when all components are carried together in a tote bag. b. The Struts of the treadmill/stair step exercising device are made of 2-1″×3″×36″ choice pine wood that are glued and screwed together for structural integrity. Struts inner board has 26¾″ pre-drilled holes to receive 26¾″ dowel pins c. The Treadmill rollers are made of ¾″ schedule 40 pvc pipe cut to 7 1/16″ lengths with 2 pieces threaded on each of the 26 dowels allowing them to roll smoothly on the ¾″ dowel with a step and drag motion implemented by the user.
 2. The second part of the 2 in 1 exercising device, treadmill with stair step conversion is the Stair Step. The basic unit has a total stepping height of 3¼″. The Riser blocks raise the entire unit 2″, up to 5¼″. The 6 riser blocks, 3 on each side fit securely in to specially designed riser plates screwed to bottom of each strut giving the user a higher knee lift for a more invigorating cardio-vascular work out. a. The stair step deck is made with a ½″×14½″×24″ plywood deck (½×16½″×24″ 1836 model) being secured into place with 4-1″ metal window clips for each corner placed no less than 18″ and no more than 22″ apart screwed into place on edge of inner strut pivoting 90 degrees to secure deck from top and 2-1½″ metal corner brackets that are screwed and glued to bottom of plywood deck which slip inbetween the pvc rollers to prevent the deck from sliding on pvc pipe rollers.
 3. The 7/8″ dowel handles assist user for balance and normal walking arm swing. The 42″ long wood dowels are cut in to 2 pieces; an upper section 8½″ long and a bottom section 33½″ long. The 2 sections are joined together with a ¾″ cpvc coupling. The top 8½″ section is glued in to the top part of cpvc coupling with a small hole drilled into the bottom half of the cpvc coupling securing the 33½″ bottom section with a ¾″ set screw. This allows the user a safe and secure normal arm swing motion while on treadmill. The top of the 8½″ handle section is sanded for a smooth feel to hand while exercising. 